Joan (Hill) Caywood was born Aug. 26, 1957, in Chehalis, Washington, and passed away Sept. 8, 2026, at the age of 69. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family and friendship.
Joan’s greatest joy was the people she loved. She cherished time spent with family and friends, whether celebrating together, sharing stories and laughter or simply enjoying one another’s company. The relationships she built throughout her life meant the world to her.
A graduate of Toledo High School, Class of 1975, Joan went on to earn her Associate of Arts degree from Centralia College. Her compassion for others was evident throughout her professional life, including her service as executive director of Human Response Network, now Hope Alliance. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Joan also taught Spanish classes for senior programs through Centralia College. Whether through her career, teaching or everyday relationships, Joan had a gift for connecting with people.
Joan’s faith was an important part of who she was. She loved Jesus, treasured her family and friendships, and genuinely cared for those around her. Joan’s life was one well lived, and she will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Joan is survived by her two children, Jose Caywood (Emily Ragan) and Chelsea Hill-Mendez (Thomas Zundel); her three beloved grandchildren, Kyler, Maren and Kade Caywood; her sisters, Diane Allender and Glenda Forga-Bancroft (Stafford Bancroft); her sister-in-law, Kris Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Violet Thomas, and stepfather, Joe Thomas; her father, Harold Hill, and stepmother, Edith Hill; her brother, Jack Hill; and her sisters, Carol Hill and Linda Deel-Pfaff.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Cowlitz Prairie Grange, 5184 Jackson Highway, Toledo, Washington.
The gathering will be potluck-style, and those attending are welcome to bring a dish to share as family and friends come together to remember Joan and share stories of the life she lived.
